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Bloomington Transit GM “cautiously optimistic” about federal funding

By Donnie Burgess

Posted May 21, 2025

A Bloomington Transit electric bus in front of the Transit Center.

A Bloomington Transit electric bus in front of the Transit Center. (Donnie Burgess, WFIU/WTIU News)

Potential federal funding cuts to public transportation could impact Bloomington Transit.

Related: Commissioners vote to extend county, transit agreement

John Connell, general manager of Bloomington Transit, said federal funding makes up over 50-percent of the company’s budget. Connell added state funding, local property revenue, Economic Development Local Income Tax dollars, cash fares, advertising revenues, and city funding allocations round out the rest of the budget.

He said while the Federal Transit Administration announced last week that $1.5 billion in funding is available for the Bus and Bus Facilities program, it doesn’t mean money will always be available.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that funding levels for public transportation will remain constant, however, there’s no guarantees,” he said.

Related: Government financial accountability among top city council priorities

Connell said he believes the federal government understands the importance of maintaining public transit, but he’s concerned potential tariffs could increase bus costs anywhere from 3-to-15-percent.

“For example, if we were to place this order for the new buses tomorrow, we’re looking at third quarter of next year for delivery, and there’s a lot that can happen between now and then,” he said.

Until the federal government makes any major funding changes, Connell said Bloomington Transit will operate business as usual.

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